Android's Messenger Adds Quick Replies And Conversation Widgets

Android: A new update to Google's Messenger app brings two sweet new features: quick reply, and a conversation widget you can add to your home screen.

While Android notifications have buttons for quick actions, the shade doesn't yet support replying to messages without opening the whole app. Google has fixed this for at least its texting app by allowing you to reply to your messages immediately without opening the app. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to see the rest of your conversation, but for short replies, it's quite handy.

The update also brings a widget that allows you to place a conversation on your home screen. This is a scrolling feed of your messages with a single person. There's even a handy button you can tap to reply. The update is currently rolling out, but if you want to jump the line, you can download it from APK Mirror here.

Update: A previous version of this article referred to this app as Facebook's Messenger app. This has since been changed to the correct Messenger application.